Q: "Recently, I began having attacks of vertigo. Some are mild, some are not. Along with that, I feel nausea, almost like mild morning sickness. Can the ReliefBand help?" Thanks. Fran

Answer: Nausea is nausea no matter what the cause. My employees and I have successfully used Reliefbands for nausea from flu, from migraines and also from vertigo. Recently, I've had to deal with those symptoms myself. According to internet sites, the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) usually last only a few seconds to a few minutes and are intermittent (i.e., come and go). Rolling over in bed, getting out of bed, swinging on a swing, etc. can also cause symptoms of light headedness and imbalance as well as nausea. Unfortunately, BPPV is more common as we grow older. according to the American Academy of Neurology, the most effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) caused by ear crystals in the posterior semicircular canal, are treatments where the patient moves head and body in certain positions. The idea is to move the calcium crystals into another inner ear canal where the body can absorb them. In the meantime, your physical therapist or physician might direct you to a non-prescription OTC like Bonine or a prescription medication.

The advantage of the Reliefband is that nausea generally subsides or diminishes in a few minutes to 20 minutes. The Relief Band works for almost every one. NOTE: Warranties: Limited to replacement of mechanically defective units within the warranty period of 30 days after purchase. ReliefBands® are not guaranteed to be effective in every case for nausea relief. Effectiveness varies with each user's characteristics. Once shipped, ReliefBands® are NOT returnable for refund: this is due to both mechanical and hygienic reason. If the unit is deemed defective by the manufacturer, the unit will be replaced.

The Reliefband EL has about 120 hours of useful time. Then change two CR2025 batteries! The electrodes look like two half clam shells. Just turn it on and off as needed. Note: hours of useful time are based upon use at levels 2 and 3. To use, apply a small circle of conductive gel on the underside of your left or right wrist. Place the Reliefband electrodes on that spot. Tighten the adjustable band (does contain latex) until snug. Turn the unit on by pressing the button in the middle. Most people set it at level 2 or 3. If you are very nauseous, begin with level 4 or level 5. When you feel relief, push the center button until you get to 2 or 3. Turn unit off when not needed: saves the battery.

FDA-cleared, the wrist-worn relief device is effective for almost everyone. For most people the EL is an insurance policy of sorts: much less expensive than a fine meal with wine or one day of cruising. The EL has replaceable batteries. For about one dollar per hour of therapy, you get relief without the side effects of medications. And there are no dietary or drinking restrictions.

The motion sickness ReliefBand® is an over-the-counter nerve stimulation device that emits gentle electrical pulses you barely notice after a few minutes. It is not painful: Tingling sensations flow from your wrist and into your fingers depending upon how you hold your hand. The mild electrical impulses gently stimulate the median nerve on the underside of the wrist, working with the body's natural neural system to prevent and control motion sickness. Resembles a watch with 5 different stimulation strengths. Worn on the underside of the wrist on either hand, the Relief Band is more effective than passive pressure bands for nausea.

For long term use, we recommend buying the Reliefband Bundle which includes one tube of extra gel and two extra batteries.This patented electronic medical device's effectiveness is supported by clinically proven studies. Pressure bands with knobs on the bottom apply passive pressure to an area for which the body soon accommodates for the pressure and ignores the stimulation. The variable pulsing electronic stimulation of the ReliefBand® means the body is not allowed to accommodate. Also the mild buzzing sensation in the palm and middle fingers lets you know the correct nerve is being stimulated.

Other ReliefBand® Information:

Motion Sickness medical device works without taking nausea medicine.

Help alleviate nausea from high altitude sickness, travel in cars, trains, planes or boats.

Treating nausea without medicine.

Construction: Solid-state reliability. Shock-resistant. Water resistant to splashing water (waves and rain).

The ReliefBand® EL is FDA-cleared: effective for most people. Not guaranteed to work for every one.

The EL comes with pre-installed, replaceable batteries.

Note: Due to mechanical and hygienic reasons, units are returnable only if mechanically defective as deemed by Reliefband with 30 days after purchase.

Made in Malaysia

We also sell conductive gel which is needed for the Relief Band to function at its best. Many people buy a spare tube just in case the primary one is lost. Remember the Reliefband if you get sea sick, car sick or air sick, too. It is FDA cleared for children 12 and above. There is neither indication or contraindication from the FDA as to use of the ReliefBand® by children.

Reliefband EL units are now in stock. Thank you for your question. Good luck.

Q: "I get sea sick and am going on a fishing trip on the Atlantic Ocean. I was going to buy a Sea Band for about $15. My friend swears by her Relief Band which cost her many times the cost of the Sea Band. How does the ReliefBand differ from the pressure bands with the knob on the underside? I know both are worn on the wrist." Thanks. Steve

Answer:

This is like comparing apples and oranges: both are fruit and then the differences begin.

ReliefBand is a patented electronic medical device supported by clinically proven studies. (Studies available upon request) The pressure band is an elastic band with a knob on the underside.

Variable pulsating stimulation stops the body from compensating or adjusting to the nerve stimulation. The body soon ignores the pressure band's passive pressure.

The mild buzzing in the palm and middle fingers caused by the electronic ReliefBand lets you know the unit is correctly positioned on the proper nerve stimulation point. There is no way to know with a pressure band that the unit is properly placed.

The Reliefband has 5 levels of stimulation available. The pressure point has one level of passive stimulation.

Positive effects of the Reliefband can last up to 30 minutes or more when the unit has resolved the nausea and is turned off.

Reliefband is FDA cleared There were multiple clinical indications both RX and OTC. In randomized clinical trials the ReliefBand was proven more effective than both placebo and other non-electronic acupressure type devices. Prior to 1999, the ReliefBand was available only via prescription for nausea and vomiting dues to pregnancy, chemotherapy and post-operative nausea. No such indications for the sea bands.

The current Reliefband EL uses replaceable batteries.Usable Time: approximately 120 hours. The sea band pressure bands use no batteries.

Reliefbands are adjustable to very small wrists as there are holes for the adjustable wristband every 1/4 inch. There are adult and child size pressure bands with the knobs

Reliefbands sell for under $130 and are water resistant. Sea bands sell for about $15 and are not water resistant.

Reliefbands typically last for many years if used intermittently: replace batteries if needed. Why spoil a vacation with motion sickness?

All motion sickness is caused by similar conditions in the body so the ReliefBand works for virtually all motion related nausea and vomiting.

Q: "I am going on a cruise and am concerned about getting motion sick. My physician suggested the Trans Derm Patch. You put that on behind an ear and it is supposed to work for 3 days without drowsiness. What are the pros and cons of a Reliefband compared to the patch?"Thanks. Sara

Answer: Both products are widely used. Personally, my experience with the Trans Derm patch back in the 1980's was mixed as I was not motion sick but my vision was blurred somewhat. I had followed the instructions about carefully applying the patch. Later I used the Reliefband while riding the Ferris wheel, the carousel and several wilder amusement park rides with absolutely no motion sickness. I've also used it for flu nausea, headache nausea and to help with vertigo symptoms. All uses were successful.

This is from the manufacturer's website about the Trans Derm Patch:

Trans Derm Patch Information:

A prescription is needed.

Cost: currently $20 to $25 each.

Applied to bare skin behind either ear. (Alternate if used for more than 3 days.)

Not for children under 18 years old

Not for people who have or have had glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyeball), have difficulty urinating, or an allergy to the active ingredient, scopolamine or other belladonna alkaloids.

Side Effects: Dryness of the mouth: in about two thirds of the people. A less frequent side effect is drowsiness, which occurs in less than one sixth of the people. Temporary blurring of vision and dilation (widening) of the pupils may occur, especially if the drug is on your hands and comes in contact with the eyes. On infrequent occasions, disorientation, memory disturbances, dizziness, restlessness, hallucinations, confusion, difficulty urinating, skin rashes or redness, temporary changes in heart rate such as palpitations, dry itchy, or reddened whites of the eyes, and eye pain have been reported. If these effects do occur, remove the patch and call your doctor. Since drowsiness, disorientation, and confusion may occur with the use of scopolamine, be careful driving or operating any dangerous machinery, especially when you first start using the drug system.

Effective for about 3 days.

When using this product, do not use alcohol, drive, operate dangerous machinery, or do things requiring alertness.

If you are elderly, your physician should exercise care in prescribing the Transderm Scōp® patch.

Keep the patch dry, if possible, to prevent it from falling off. Limited contact with water, however, as in bathing or swimming, will not affect the system. In the unlikely event that the patch falls off, throw it away and put a new one behind the other ear.

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling the patch, so that any drug that might get on your hands will not come into contact with your eyes.

Relief Band EL with Replaceable Batteries Information:

No prescription needed: FDA approved for over the counter use for nausea or motion sickness prevention.

Worn on the underside of either wrist (or both wrists if desired). Applies periodic gentle nerve stimulation at one of 5 levels you choose.

Tested on children age 12 or older. Can be used on younger children

No side effects except for those with nickel allergies or allergies to latex (the band).

Requires use of an inexpensive conductive gel. (Included)

Uses two CR2025 lithium batteries which last about 120 hours on level 3 stimulation. Can be replaced.

No restrictions on alcohol use, no drowsiness, no dizziness, etc.

Use as prevention or to stop motion sickness. Positive results in about 99% of those using it within 15 to 20 minutes.

No restrictions for the elderly

Can be reused over and over: replace batteries when red light blinks.

Splash resistant: not waterproof

Adjustable to fit even the smallest wrists. Customers report using them on young children with great success. We've had customers report great success with motion sickness from vertigo and similar ailments.

Wear on either wrist.

Warranty: 30 days from date of purchase. (I have an original one from 1999 that still works!)

Made in Malaysia

Thank you for your interesting question. Enjoy your trip. Do remember that if you choose to drink alcohol, operate a car, etc. we do recommend the Reliefband over the prescription product.

Q: "Is the motion sickness relief band safe to use when the user has a history of atrial fibrillation treated with medication not a pace maker?"

Answer: We recommend that you check with your cardiologist or primary care physician before purchasing and using a ReliefBand. This is a medical question that we cannot answer. If your physician sees no medical contraindications, we can ship your Reliefband within one business day after you order it. Do remember that the Reliefband due to hygienic concerns, is not returnable except for replacement if mechanically defective.

Neurowave Medical addresses only use concerns for those with pacemakers. "Pacemaker Users – Use the device only as directed on the wrist to prevent possible interference with your pacemaker. Avoid placing the electrodes directly on your chest or near the pacemaker."

The ReliefBand Device works by gently stimulating the nerves in your wrist, which interferes with your body's nausea and vomiting process and calms your stomach. FDA clearance is for use as a nondrug, noninvasive prescription treatment for nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and pregnancy, and is indicated as an adjunct to antiemetics for postoperative nausea. The ReliefBand Device also provides relief of nausea and vomiting from motion sickness and morning sickness, and is available without prescription for these conditions.

Q: "Dear safehomeproducts, Are these the new models (of Reliefbands) or the old ones? "

Answer: Reliefbands are now back with replaceable batteries!

Reliefband Technologies re-introduced this Reliefband several years ago. There are 5 levels of stimulation. Wear this FDA cleared, no-drug, safe product to prevent or to relieve nausea and vomiting from motion sickness. Wear on either wrist or wear two, if needed. Once activated, relief is usually obtained within 15 minutes or less. Although customers tell us they use Reliefbands on younger children, FDA testing was not done on children under the age of 12. Note: electrodes contain nickel and the bracelet band contains latex.

No one wants to be without this wonderful device when they are on a cruise, spending the day at an amusement park or riding in an airplane or car. We also sell conductive gel.

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Q: " Is the Relief Band safe for toddlers? My 3 1/2 year old boy gets very car sick and I am looking for something that will help him."

Answer: When the Relief Band was first marketed, there was a note that it was for use for children 10 and up. We cannot guarantee positive results. The variables are how large his wrist is and if he would be bothered by the sensations.

Over the years, my employees have used it successfully on children aged 6 and there were no problems with the sensations. The wristband can be made very small. Due to sanitary reasons, this FDA cleared medical device is not returnable.

My own Relief Band test was in July 2005. I took my niece and my grandson on rides at the carnival in my home town of Leechburg, PA. Sara and I rode the Scrambler and then Sara, Will and I rode the Ferris Wheel. And I had zero motion sickness. (I cannot even swing on a swing now without a Relief Band and the last time I road the Ferris Wheel without nausea was when I was in high school.)

My employees and I have used the Relief Band for flu nausea, getting used to bi-focal lenses, migraine headache nausea, car sickness and sea sickness. Our success rate was 100% but the effectiveness varies from person to person. Also remember that the electrodes do contain nickel and the wrist band portion contains latex. We cannot guarantee this will work for you: units are returnable only for manufacturing defects. You must use the conductive gel to get maximum stimulation. There are 5 levels of stimulation. Typically, a person starts at 2 or 3 when you can feel the tingling in your fingers. This would be preventative. If you are ill, up the sensation until you feel better. Then reduce the power to save batteries. Most people get relief within 20 minutes and can turn the unit off. The Voyager batteries cannot be replaced: typically you get 120 hours minimum of stimulation per unit. Priced at under $130, this is a great option to taking drugs that can restrict your activities due to alcohol restrictions, blurred vision, etc. Also using the "patch" means putting it on hours before you travel. Ditto for motion sickness pills. If you want, you can wear one on each wrist.